Crypto: Devcon 6 2020 is a Write Off, Lets Try 2021 in Colombia

Surprising fact: a study showed about 18% of people in both Colombia and Brazil had used cryptocurrency, a number that made Bogotá an obvious choice when plans changed.

The Ethereum Foundation postponed its flagship conference and moved the intended meeting to Bogotá, with the exact date still to be announced.

This decision came after global travel limits and crowd-size rules made a 2020 full-scale conference impractical. The Foundation chose to favor an inclusive, high-quality gathering rather than a constrained event.

In the meantime, the Foundation will back smaller, local efforts and help the broader community run decentralized, community-led meetups across South America.

Bogotá stood out from more than ten candidate cities because of strong demand, room for several thousand attendees, and a growing local ecosystem ready to welcome builders and users.

Key Takeaways

• Devcon was postponed and relocated to Bogotá; the new date remained TBA.
• The Foundation prioritized inclusivity over a scaled-down 2020 event.
• Colombia and South America show high crypto adoption and strong local ecosystems.
• Smaller, decentralized community events were supported while the main conference waited.
• Bogotá was chosen for capacity, demand, and regional growth potential.

Devcon VI moves to Bogotá: what changed and why it matters

After evaluating more than ten candidate cities, the Foundation confirmed it would skip 2020 and plan a larger in-person gathering in Bogotá for the following year.

Headline update: Ethereum Foundation postpones the conference to 2021 in South America

The Foundation announced there would be no conference in 2020 and no virtual substitute. Instead, it focused on a single, high-quality in-person event in south america the next year.

What we know so far: location, venue options, and the yet-to-be-announced date

Bogotá emerged from a competitive review of cities because it can host several thousand attendees at modern venues with ample accommodations. Venue options met strict needs for connectivity, capacity, and local support services.

The exact date remained unconfirmed as the Foundation waited for clearer travel and health conditions. Organizers said naming a date only when timelines stabilized would help sponsors, speakers, and people planning travel.

Why this decision fits the community-first ethos of Ethereum

The choice to delay preserved the conference’s standards and the in-person value that fosters networking, product reveals, and serendipity. The Foundation preferred to “super-size” its efforts rather than accept a lesser online option.

This stance protected community interests while the Foundation continued targeted efforts to keep momentum and support local meetups and regional organizers.

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From global travel limits to local participation: the pandemic’s impact on attendance and planning

Rising border closures and uneven reopening timelines made a big, international meet-up unrealistic. International travel limits and local gathering rules created too much uncertainty to stage a full-scale conference within a few months.

The Foundation prioritized broad participation. It did not want the event limited to a handful of travelers who could navigate shifting quarantines and entry rules.

How the decision unfolded

The team weighed a virtual option but concluded it would not match the in-person value attendees expect. A remote solution risked uneven access and diluted networking for speakers and sponsors.

• Extending planning into the next year allowed for clearer logistics and safer travel for attendees.
• Smaller, decentralized events and local meetups kept the community active without overpromising a single gathering.
• Uncertainty over several months affected speaker schedules, sponsor commitments, and production timelines.

Overall, the choice favored safety, fair access, and predictable programming. Clear, transparent communication replaced speculative dates and helped avoid fragmented participation.

Why Bogotá, Colombia: venue, regional adoption, and community growth

The site search singled out Bogotá as the best match for capacity, connectivity, and community growth.

Agora Bogotá as the conference hub: capacity, connectivity, and attendee experience

Agora Bogotá is a new, state-of-the-art convention center built to host several thousand attendees. It was designed with robust WiFi, modern catering, and flexible meeting spaces for talks, workshops, and spontaneous collaboration.

Proximity to El Dorado airport and nearby neighborhoods makes arrivals and local travel straightforward for people flying in from across the world.

South America’s crypto momentum: Colombia’s high user adoption and regional builders

Colombia ranks among the top countries for crypto adoption, with studies showing about 18% of users engaged with digital assets. That local demand creates a strong stage for builders and business leaders to test real-world use cases.

While other cities were evaluated, Bogotá combined technical readiness and cultural fit better than many alternatives.

Community and ecosystem plans: supporting local events, leaders, and real-world use of technology

The Foundation has engaged local builders, educational institutions, and business leaders to seed collaborations. Organizers plan to integrate smaller events during the main week so attendees can meet regional leaders and users in authentic settings.

Outcome: Bogotá becomes a place where global innovation and local impact meet, accelerating practical use of Ethereum technology across the region.

Conclusion

Planners chose to pause large-scale activity and invest in a bigger, better in-person event for the next year. The Foundation committed to “super-size” planning for 2021 in Bogotá while backing decentralized meetups during the interim to keep the community engaged.

That approach preserved safety, inclusivity, and the high quality attendees expect from a flagship event. Smaller events and local efforts kept momentum and let people across the world stay connected.

Expect a single, well-organized conference the following year that deepens local partnerships and creates a place for new things—partnerships, launches, and learning—to take root. Watch for a firm date announced with ample lead time so people can plan travel and participation.